I sit and meditate. Long, short. One time I experience this, other time that. Often many spaces of empty mind. Than once I see phosphenes coming. All kinds and after some time bluring in a white light, a light beyond light, you could call it surrealistic and directly also dimension-less and I am in that and of that. All sense of identity and position in space is gone. I realize I look directly into the essence and structure of my consciousness. It is vast, empty and unearthly light. I am blazed away. Later I understand this is the Mahamudra, the direct insight in the essence of Mind.
So first a bit on the context of this great realization. Spoken by Ringu Tulku.
Mahamudra, often translated as the “Great Seal,” is a seen as a profound meditation practice and philosophy that invites practitioners to recognize the true nature of their own minds. It is a path not of complexity or intellectual abstraction but of direct, unmediated experience. In its essence, Mahamudra is both the method and the realization—the journey and the destination—of awakening to the boundless, luminous awareness that is our innermost nature. It leads to the dimensionless space of clarity and luminosity that I am That.
The teachings of Mahamudra emerged within the Indian tantric traditions, later flourishing in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly in the Kagyu lineage. It is described as the union of emptiness and clarity, where the mind is no longer seen as a fragmented or dualistic mechanism but as an inseparable part of the vast, open nature of reality. Unlike approaches that rely heavily on conceptual understanding or rituals, Mahamudra offers a path of direct recognition, cutting through layers of confusion and self-imposed limitations. It is therefore for me the preferred way.
The Nature of the Mind
At the heart of Mahamudra is the recognition that the mind is naturally luminous and free. This luminous quality, often described as clarity, is the mind’s inherent ability to know and be aware. Simultaneously, the mind is empty—not as a void or absence, but as a spacious, boundless openness. Together, these qualities of clarity and emptiness form the basis of Mahamudra practice and recognition.
When the mind is free from thoughts, emotions, identifications, clinging, judgments, and distractions, it reveals its true nature as a state of effortless presence. This is not something to fabricate or create but something to recognize, to see for yourself. The teachings of Mahamudra remind us that this natural state is already present; it does not need to be sought elsewhere. So nothing needs to be done, apart from dedication to this path and purity in practice.
Meditation in Mahamudra
Mahamudra meditation begins with the practice of calming the mind (shamatha), allowing the turbulence of thoughts and emotions to settle like muddy water in a glass. This is not an act of suppression but one of gentle letting-be. By resting the mind, practitioners begin to glimpse moments of clarity and openness. Thought start to vanish.
As the mind stabilizes, the practice shifts to vipashyana, or insight meditation. Here, the practitioner investigates and watches the rising of thoughts, emotions, and perceptions. Rather than treating these as obstacles, they are experienced directly, revealing their insubstantial and self-liberating nature., they come, they go. A thought, when observed, dissolves back into the vast space from which it arose. Emotions, too, are no longer seen as fixed or overwhelming but as transient waves in the ocean of awareness.
At the heart of Mahamudra meditation is the instruction to rest in the natural state without grasping or rejecting. This is often described as “letting the mind rest as it is.” The practitioner is neither striving for some extraordinary experience nor trying to block ordinary experiences. Instead, they allow everything to arise and dissolve within the spacious expanse of awareness. Over time, the boundaries between meditation and daily life dissolve, as this natural state becomes the basis for all experience. You start to feel a constant extreme relaxed feeling, at least that I can testify.
The Path of Non-Fabrication
A unique aspect of Mahamudra is its emphasis on non-fabrication. Unlike methods that involve visualization, rituals, or intellectual analysis, Mahamudra asks the practitioner to relinquish all effort to construct or control their experience. This is not passivity but a profound trust in the innate wisdom of the mind itself.
In Mahamudra, even the effort to meditate can become an obstacle. The more we try to shape or manipulate the mind, the further we move from its natural state. The practice, then, is one of radical simplicity: to rest in awareness and watching without interference. The mind, when left alone, start to reveal its true nature as vast, luminous, and free.
Realization and Integration
The realization of Mahamudra is described as the recognition of the inseparability of samsara and nirvana—that the ordinary world of appearances and the ultimate truth are not two separate realms. This is not a conceptual understanding but a lived experience, where every thought, sensation, and perception is seen as an expression of the luminous, empty nature of reality.
I think this realization does not automatically lead to detachment or indifference but more to a profound sense of ease and freedom. Freed from the chains of duality, you start to see the essence of being and from that wisdom automatically rises compassion. For yourself and others. Integration becomes the hallmark of Mahamudra practice: the ability to embody this realization in every moment of daily life, whether sitting in meditation, walking, working, or engaging with others. It is something that envolds over a lifetime experience I think.
Great space and luminosity rises.
The Simplicity of Greatness
Mahamudra is often called the “pathless path” because it does not rely on elaborate techniques or external rituals. Its simplicity, however, is not to be mistaken for ease. The practice requires diligence, trust, and the courage to rest in the unknown. Yet, in its simplicity lies its greatness: it reminds us that the profound truths of existence are not hidden in distant places or complicated systems but are present in the very fabric of our everyday experience.
In the words of Tilopa, one of the great Mahamudra masters, “Let go of what has passed. Let go of what may come. Let go of what is happening now. Don’t try to figure anything out. Don’t try to make anything happen. Relax, right now, and rest.”
This is the essence of Mahamudra: to rest in the natural state, to see clearly the nature of all things, and to live with the boundless freedom and compassion that arise from this recognition. It is both the simplest and most profound of paths, offering a way to meet life as it is and to discover the radiant truth of who we are. Shunyam Adhibhu
On Ringu Tulku Rinpoche
Ringu Tulku Rinpoche is a distinguished Tibetan Buddhist master and scholar, known for his ability to bridge the ancient wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism with the needs of the modern world. Born in 1952 in Kham, eastern Tibet, he was recognized as the reincarnation of a great yogi and scholar connected to the Ringu Monastery, an esteemed center of Buddhist learning. His early life was deeply rooted in the spiritual traditions of the Kagyu school, and his connection to the Rimé Movement, a non-sectarian approach to Tibetan Buddhism, played a significant role in shaping his teachings.
From a young age, Ringu Tulku was immersed in the rigorous study and practice of Buddhism under the guidance of some of the most revered masters of the time. Teachers such as Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, Kalu Rinpoche, and Tenga Rinpoche provided him with profound instruction in philosophy, meditation, and ritual. His education also extended into exile, where he deepened his studies in India, earning advanced degrees in Buddhist philosophy at the prestigious Sanskrit University in Varanasi.
As a teacher, Ringu Tulku has traveled extensively, bringing the wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism to audiences across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. His teaching style is warm, clear, and often infused with humor, making even the most complex Buddhist concepts accessible. Unlike many traditional teachers, he emphasizes the practical integration of Buddhist principles into daily life. Whether discussing meditation, compassion, or ethics, his teachings encourage students to apply these timeless principles in a way that resonates with their personal experiences.
Over the years, Ringu Tulku has become a prolific writer, authoring numerous books on Buddhism. Titles such as Confusion Arises as Wisdom and Mind Training reflect his ability to make profound teachings relatable to modern practitioners. His writings often focus on transforming challenges, such as emotional confusion, into clarity and wisdom, embodying the transformative potential of the Buddhist path.
Beyond his role as a teacher, Ringu Tulku has dedicated his life to preserving Tibetan Buddhism. He founded the Bodhicharya organization, which promotes the study and practice of the Dharma, fosters interfaith dialogue, and supports social and educational initiatives. Through Bodhicharya, he has worked to preserve traditional teachings while ensuring their relevance to the contemporary world. His efforts extend to supporting monasteries, translating ancient texts, and nurturing a global community of practitioners.
Ringu Tulku’s life is a testament to the enduring relevance of Buddhism in addressing modern challenges. He frequently engages in interfaith dialogues, finding common ground with leaders of other spiritual traditions. Moreover, his work often explores how Buddhist principles intersect with fields such as psychology and ecology, offering fresh perspectives on issues like emotional well-being and environmental stewardship.
Known for his humility and compassion, Ringu Tulku’s teachings transcend cultural and religious boundaries. He invites students to see Buddhism not as a distant philosophy but as a living, breathing tradition that can guide them through the complexities of life. His approach emphasizes non-sectarianism, encouraging an open and inclusive understanding of the Dharma.
Through his teachings and writings, Ringu Tulku continues to inspire practitioners worldwide, reminding them that the heart of the Buddhist path lies not in abstract theory but in direct experience and compassionate action. His presence is a reminder that the wisdom of the ancient masters can illuminate even the most modern of paths, offering guidance, clarity, and hope for all who seek it.
Shunyam Adhibhu
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